A Perfect Couple: The Altman–Rudolph Connection

When Robert Altman arranged to produce director Alan Rudolph’s Welcome to L. A. in 1976 it was inevitable, given their past association, that critics would make comparisons to Altman’s work. Through an analysis of how each director tackled films with similar concerns—art and commerce, political myths, and genre subversion—this chapter demonstrates that while Rudolph has learned from his mentor, each director displays his own unique cinematic sensibility. In general, Altman’s narrative approach prizes externalization and observation, while Rudolph’s leans toward internalization and introspection. Even the stylistic devices Rudolph learned from his work with Altman are employed for different purposes. For Altman, visual and aural elements contribute to a realist aesthetic, while Rudolph uses these same techniques to create a stylized, hypnotic, dreamlike atmosphere. In addition to providing insight into Altman’s work as a producer, this chapter’s examination of the relationship between the two filmmakers addresses the ways their personal relationship and professional collaboration have been mutually beneficial while also demonstrating each director’s distinctive artistic vision.